The Arkansas Department of Health says nearly 500 cases of mumps have been reported in northwest Arkansas, and the number is continuing to grow.

The department says 492 people have confirmed or suspected cases of the virus.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Dirk Haselow says the disease is being spread among children at schools, and the state is "very concerned" by the growing number of new cases. The state says cases have been reported in the Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and Huntsville school districts.

A clinic offering the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is planned for Thursday at the Jones Center in Springdale.

Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling in the salivary glands and cheeks. Those with the illness may also have headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and low-grade fevers.